Cycling routes
Simplon – Mythical Alpine passes
Brig
0/13°
For centuries, the Simplon Pass has been an important connection between Valais and Italy. The pass road steadily ascends over its entire length and allows you to observe how the wide valley of Upper Valais gradually transitions into an exceptional alpine mountain world.
Difficulty
IntermediateLength
22.73 kmDuration
2:30 h
Description
On the first kilometers of the Simplon Pass from Brig, you gradually leave the wide, broad valley behind you. The route leads through meadowland, above which the Wasenhorn and Monte Leone rise. The old pass road gives the ascent a very special touch and also allows avoiding international through traffic. After a few kilometers, you cross a suspension bridge over a small, untouched valley with centuries-old fir trees. A few bends higher up, you pass through a gallery that protects you from the tumbling mountain streams, which can swell considerably in early summer due to snowmelt. The hospice at the pass summit is worth a detour before you take a well-deserved break at the pass restaurant.
Turn-by-turn directions
From Brig, the old pass road leads through green meadows and colorful flower fields. Soon this landscape gives way to a coniferous forest, providing a dignified, majestic frame for the famous north-south passage of the Alps between Upper Valais and Italian Piedmont. The closer you get to the pass summit, the deeper you enter a high alpine atmosphere, where you can take a deep breath and perceive the special scent of wild Alpine plants. Travelers used to stop at the hospice at the pass summit when crossing the Alps. At the sight of the secluded valleys south of the pass, you will also feel the desire to continue the journey further. If you drive a few hundred meters from the pass towards Italy, you will discover a magnificent monastery complex in the middle of a rocky steppe.
Start
Brig (671m)
Destination
Simplon Pass (2004m)
Author's recommendation
Visit the eagle made of stone at the Simplon Pass, the emblem of the Simplon. It was built during the Second World War as a symbol of vigilance and recalls the “Watch at Simplon” by Mountain Brigade 11.
Technical information
Altitude
2006m
672m
Ascent
+1334m
Descent
-1m
Technique
Stamina
Experience
Landscape
Best time of the year
- Jan
- Feb
- Mar
- Apr
- May
- Jun
- Jul
- Aug
- Sep
- Oct
- Nov
- Dec
Tags
Getting there
Information
Public transport
Regular train connections from all over Switzerland via Lötschberg base tunnel or via the Simplon line to Brig.
Approach
Follow route 9 from Sierre to Brig.
Parking
SBB parking at the station in Brig. Follow the local parking guidance system in Brig.
Source
This activity is brought to you by Valais/Wallis Promotion
